Thumbs Up: Cynthia Bonwell

September 28, 2015

Editor's note: Since 2010, Purdue Today has invited faculty and staff to recognize the good work of others on campus through its weekly "Thumbs Up" feature. The newsletter periodically will publish an expanded version of this popular feature in an effort to further call attention to employees' excellent work.

A group from the College of Education -- Teresa Taber Doughty, Dorothy Reed, TJ Oakes, Kathy Dietz, Jane Ann Dimitt and Nicole Wilson -- recognizes Cynthia Bonwell, office coordinator for College of Education Academic Services, for Bonwell's excellence in her role and recent work on new office configurations within the department.

The group writes:

"Cynthia Bonwell is the epitome of patience, grace and good humor. Originally hired in a secretarial position, Cynthia promptly demonstrated her ability to serve as an office coordinator by quickly mastering multiple office tasks and assisting others with their work. In less than a year, she was hired for her current position, where she oversees all aspects of office functioning.

"Cynthia coordinates cross-training of all clerical staff and has been responsible for hiring and training our important student workers. Marcos Navarrete, a senior in biochemistry, shares that 'Cynthia is the best supervisor that I have had the pleasure to work with as a student employee. She made sure I am well trained and able to perform my duties with confidence.' Staff agree that Cynthia is the go-to person in Academic Services to get answers -- and always with a smile.

"In addition, the College of Education Academic Services was charged to combine all client services into one department. Cynthia worked with numerous offices, departments, the bull gang and colleagues, some of whom were uncertain about the new configuration. She organized the move of over 20 individual offices; this meant coordinating phone lines, computers, furniture, waxing floors, hanging pictures, and painting of offices.

"In addition to the office moves, Cynthia carried on with her regular duties as the supervisor of the clerical staff and student workers, even though we were short-staffed and she was in the midst of the hiring process.

"After the move was complete, Cynthia coordinated a carry-in to celebrate. She is always upbeat and makes sure that the morale in the office is at an all-time high."